Roots, Rock, Recovery

I cannot fully express what a privilege it is to be able to assume a leadership role at The Wilson House.  I look around at the Board, Staff, and Volunteers, and participants and I feel so lucky to be counted among you all. I hope I can help build on everything that is already underway that will strengthen the mission and make time at The Wilson House available to any who consider it important in their lives. 

My grandfather's brother was Ebby Thacher. Ebby was the old school friend who sat down with Bill at his kitchen table in Brooklyn and talked to Bill about his own newfound sobriety (Oxford Groups) and the need for Bill to develop an understanding of a Higher Power. Gail LaCroix, the Archivist at Dr. Bob's house has called it the greatest 12th Step Call the world has ever seen. 

My relation to Ebby, along with $5, gets me a cup of black coffee at Starbucks but it is a connection to all of our collective roots. I am hoping it also gives me a unique dedication, perspective, and understanding of how important Bill's House is already, and how important it will become in the future.

When the road of happy destiny leads us to The Wilson House to sit on the porch and meet new friends, to share a meal, or to attend a retreat, or to simply catch a meeting in the back room, there is a magic present that we can all feel.  The Wilson House is like the Plymouth Rock of Recovery.  Many of us have been cast upon rocky shores with little hope of surviving the next winter, yet somehow we are still here and thriving. Gratitude for those who came before us, and memories of all who helped us along the way are a touchstone that allow us to see our own small but significant part in the growth of our respective fellowships.  Being able to connect to the source of 12 Step Recovery becomes more and more important with the loss of every founder, old timer, sponsor, and friend.  The mission of The Wilson House , as I see it, is to simply allow all of those who would access the magic the opportunity to do just that. 

The Volunteers, Staff, and Board of The Wilson House all share an extraordinary dedication to this mission that I hope to match in the coming years.  I believe it is incredibly important to recognize the contributions of all who put their shoulder to the task of growing the opportunity to access the magic of The Wilson House. "The one who plants trees, knowing that (they) will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life." Rabindranath Tagore (Indian Poet). 

I would like to personally thank outgoing Board Chair, Marty Hersam for his efforts and dedication over the past 3 years during a highly significant time in the growth and evolution of The Wilson House. His contributions and the amount of time he spent to further our mission are daunting for me as the incoming Chair.

During his tenure, Marty was part of the team that guided The Wilson House through a period of significant growth, organizational change, and strategic planning. He played an important role in strengthening operational fundraising efforts and helping to develop the organization's current strategic vision - work that has informed the pending expansion of overnight accomodations and positioned The Wilson House for its next chapter. Marty's commitment to The Wilson House, its mission, staff, volunteers, and fellow Board members remains unchanged. His decision to step away is a deeply personal one, made with what he believes are the best interests of the organization in mind.  As The Wilson House enters an exciting new phase of growth, Marty believes this is an appropriate time for others to assume leadership roles and help guide the organization into the future. I can only hope that when it is my time to pass the torch, I will have a similar level of self-awareness, humility, and grace as Marty has exhibited.

I would also like to express a big welcome and thank you for the upcoming service of our two new Board members.  Susan Kleiner, well known to many affiliated with the house, has previously served as past Chair and long time member of the Board. Susan has agreed to return as Board Member at large after a year long sabbatical. Her willingness to come back on the Board is especially valued by me. She has an insider's perspective on the growth and development of the house over the last 10 years. I am hoping she can help me avoid novice mistakes to some degree, although I am sure that my capability to make mistakes will outstrip her ability to spot them all in advance. Such is the nature of living and continuing to learn. I would also like to welcome Anne Finley as our newest Board Member. She brings extensive experience in HR Management and Board and Committee service in her professional and personal life. She hails from the Town of Hull, Massachusetts which is actually just beyond World's End on the South Shore of Boston not too far from where the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth. The Thacher Family shipwrecked off the North Shore near Rockport, MA a few years later in 1635 on an Island now known as Thacher Twin Lights.  Both Anne and Susan are actively involved in committee work already. As always, I want to thank the current Board and Executive Committee for all their continuing efforts on behalf of The Wilson House.

Although I am climbing a steep learning curve and may take a while to respond to any questions or inquiries, I did want to provide my new email at the house: JohnThacher@wilsonhouse.org.  I promise I will find a way to get back to everyone within a week or two, I just ask for a little patience as I get accustomed to the new role.  I am also still working a full time job M-F as well. Until next month, thank you all for your support and well wishes. 

Yours in Service - John